Speech synthesizer timepiece with minimal number of keys for time announcements

Abstract

A speech synthesizer timepiece which is capable of providing a plurality of different kinds of time-related information such as updated time, timer information (remaining time), alarm information and so forth using speech synthesizing technology with the aid of a single voice key. The timepiece has a voice instruction key for activating the speech synthesizer and a detection circuit for detecting if the key is actuated continuously. The speech generation is enabled to provide a first item of information (for example, timer information) when the key is actuated temporarily and providing another item of information (for example, updated time) when the instruction key is continuously actuated.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A timepiece capable of providing at least two pieces of time-related information comprising: speech generation means for providing an audible message;   
     
     
       speech instruction key means for activating said speech generation means; display means for providing a visual display of at least one of said at least two pieces of information;   detection means for detecting actuation of said speech instruction key means; and   means for enabling said speech generation means to provide an audible message indicative of one of said at least two pieces of information and said visual display to provide a visual display of the other of said speech at least two pieces of information according to the state of said instruction key means as detected by said detection means.   
     
     
       2. A timepiece with a timer function, comprising: speech generation means for providing a first audible message indicative of timer information and a second audible message indicative of updated time of day;   speech instruction key means for activating said speech generation means;   visual display means for providing a first visual display indicative of timer information and a second visual display indicative of updated time information;   detection means for detecting if said speech instruction key means is kept actuated; and   means responsive to the output of said detection means for enabling said speech generation means to provide said first audible message and said visual display to provide said second visual display when said speech instruction key means is actuated temporarily and enabling said speech generation means to provide said second audible message and said visual display to provide said first visual display when said speech instruction key means is actuated continuously.   
     
     
       3. A timepiece with a calendar function, comprising: speech generation means for providing a first audible message indicative of calendar information and a second audible message indicative of updated time of day;   speech instruction key means for activating said speech generation means;   visual display means for providing a first visual display indicative of calendar information and a second visual display indicative of updated time information;   detection means for detecting if said speech instruction key means is kept actuated; and   means responsive to the output of said detection means for enabling said speech generation means to provide said first audible message and said visual display to provide said second visual display when said speech instruction key means is actuated temporarily and enabling said speech generation means to provide said second audible message and said visual display to provide said first visual display when said speech instruction key means is actuated continuously.